This fight captures Oliveira’s journey as an underdog.
Not only was Oliveira the underdog in terms of odds against Dustin Poirier, but the majority of the MMA world was already treating “Do Bronx”‘s win over Michael Chandler as a formality – acting as if Poirier’s title verdict was inevitable.
The first round was one of the most aggressive and fast punching rounds you will ever see in MMA. Poirer taxed Oliveira with some classic Southpaw counters, but the then-champion was able to deal some serious body damage throughout the round.
Here’s some great body work by Charles Oliveira in the first round against Dustin Poirier. pic.twitter.com/55TjGbUuqq
– Philip Bucharler (@ASAP_Pipa) December 12, 2021
Oliveira was then able to build up his momentum with a dominant topside second round before finding Power in the third.
In his first title defense, Charles Oliveira submitted Dustin Poirier via the RNC backpack in the third round. Oliveria was knocked down in the first round, completing the comeback victory.
Number of posts: 1 ️⃣ 5 ️⃣ pic.twitter.com/uWTwU6nAB4– кιигмукє (MykeJitsu) June 23, 2022
After the fight, both fighters showed respect as Poirier offered to donate to Oliveira’s children’s charity, explaining why fighters like this are true champions.
💎 @employee She just donated $20,000 to a hometown charity @employee option.
Being a champion doesn’t start and end with 12 pounds of gold. #UFC269 pic.twitter.com/y4AElHBkX4
– UFC Europe (UFCEurope) December 12, 2021